Ahoy there, Angela! Welcome to planDisney!
Your family is about to embark on an amazing adventure! As the one responsible for planning my friends' and family members' Disney cruises, I know the desire to plan a vacation where everyone’s needs and fun are prioritized! Therefore, I'm happy to share about the Youth Clubs on board, the guidelines for each, and how they can work for your family.
The Youth Clubs that your sons will be in are
Disney’s Oceaneer Club, which is available for guests aged 3-10 during operating hours, and
Edge, which is available for guests aged 11-14 during operating hours. “Operating Hours” refers to “secured drop-off”, meaning that only guests of that age group can enter at that time. During
“Open House” hours in any of the Youth Clubs, any guests on board may enter. During operating hours, your 12-year-old son may not enter Disney’s Oceaneer Club, nor may your 9-year-old son enter Edge. But Open House hours provide the perfect opportunity for the whole family to play together!
While it might be disheartening to find out that your kids can't be together during operating hours, I have some suggestions that work well with my friends and family:
- Visit Disney’s Oceaneer Club together on the first day. Get a lay of the land, look around, and have fun! The experienced Youth Counselors will be walking around to answer any questions you might have.
- If crowds pose a problem, ask the Youth Counselors to share when the slower times are. I find that these are usually early mornings and during Port Days.
- Youth Counselors can contact you via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App if there’s ever a need.
- You can call Disney’s Oceaneer Club from any ship phone to check on him, and there are plenty of them around every corner. (Trust me, I’ve called the Youth Clubs from these phones often for my own kiddos!)
- Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for Open House hours, which are offered daily at multiple times.
- Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for the endless fun activities! My kids are close to your kids' ages, and they love "favoriting" activities by tapping the heart next to them. This way, we never miss it! I let them each choose two family activities per day.
Disney Cruise Line also offers services for Guests with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, such as assistance with wait times at the Walt Disney Theater before shows, etc. First, you should contact Special Services at least 60 days in advance of your sailing. A Cast Member is happy to assist and guide you further. Once on board, I would also discuss with Guest Services any options that are available.
Angela, I hope I was able to offer guidance and fun suggestions. I wish your family buckets of memories on board together! Please sail back to planDisney if you have any other questions.
You’ve Got a Friend in Me,
Rana